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Alloblackburneus troglodytes (Hubbard, 1894)
Little gopher tortoise scarab beetle
Federal Protection: No US federal protection
State Protection: No Georgia state protection
Global Rank: G2G3
State Rank: S1S2
Element Locations Tracked in Biotics: Yes
SWAP 2015 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes
SWAP 2025 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes
2025 SGCN Priority Tier: Data Deficient
Element Occurrences (EOs) in Georgia: 2
Habitat Summary for element in Georgia: Gopher tortoise nests
An obligate commensal of the gopher tortoise, the dung beetle is only found where fresh gopher tortoise manure is present. The species is primarily found in scrub and sandhill habitat.
The species is considered to be an obligate commensal, primarily found in scrub and sandhill habitat. Further surveys in other locations where gopher tortoises are known is encouraged. Surveys must be done by collection of fresh gopher tortoise manure.
The species has been surveyed in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The populations even within sandhill gopher tortoise populations are considered ‘spotty’.
| Threat 1 | Threat 2 | Threat 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Threat | Natural system modifications | Human intrusions & disturbance | None |
| Specific Threat | Fire & fire suppression | Work & other activities | None |
A dung beetle considered imperiled by Natureserve because it is completely dependent on Gopher tortoises.
Management to promote this native species relies on the methods used to promote its host, the gopher tortoise.
Anna Yellin
